We’re at the midpoint of the first round at the European Cup Qualifiers. In Antwerp, Belgium two games were played on Wednesday. Two more game days are until the schedule before the top two teams play in the finals on Saturday. The winner qualifies for the CEB Cup 2016.
Espoo Expos – Stockholm Monarchs 3-20 (7)
The Stockholm Monarchs celebrated a 20-3 win over the Espoo Expos in a Scandinavian duel at Borgerhout. After each team had scored thrice in the second Stockholm decided the outcome with a six-run rally in the fourth. Five more runs in the fifth and six in the seventh ended the game due to ten-run rule. Magnus Pilegard hit a home run and scored three times. Oscar Holmberg, Mark Langome and Dylan Driscoll also crossed the plate for three runs. Lagome also picked up the win in relief of Max Hill. Timo Liiri issued four hits, six runs (3 ER) and four walks in 3 1/3 innings to take the loss. Olli Tolppanen had two hits and reached base in all three of his plate appearances.
Borgerhout Squirrels – Essex Arrows 18-3 (6)
The Borgerhout Squirrels defeated the Essex Arrows 18-3 in six innings in the evening game. They improved to 2-0 with the win. It was a close game in the beginning until the Squirrels broke a 3-3 tie with a two-run fourth. Nine runs in the fifth blew the score wide open. Alexis Marquez went deep, drove in five and pitched six solid innings for the win. Steven De Lannoy scored four runs. Luke Foley collected two RBI for Essex. Carlos Manchino conceded four hits, five runs (3 ER) and two walks in three innings for the loss.
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